205858 Metabolic Syndrome in a State Psychiatric Hospital Population

Monday, November 9, 2009

Susanna Kramer, MA , Center for Mental Health Policy and Services Research, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Lawrence Markman, MD , Geriatric Medicine, Family Practice, Wilmington, DE
Bindu Koshy, MD , Division of Substance Abuse & Mental Health Delaware Health & Social Services, New Castle, DE
Husam Abdallah, MAS , Division of Substance Abuse & Mental Health Delaware Health & Social Services, New Castle, DE
Margaret Mumaw, BS , Cardinal Health, New Castle, DE
Cynthia Zubritsky, PhD , Center for Mental Health Policy and Services Research, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Aileen Rothbard, ScD , Center for Mental Health Policy and Services Research, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Sumedha Chhatre, PhD , Center for Mental Health Policy and Services Research, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Gerard Gallucci, MD, MHS , Division of Substance Abuse & Mental Health Delaware Health & Social Services, New Castle, DE
  
Numerous studies have shown that patients with serious mental illness (SMI) consistently have worse physical health and a far shorter life expectancy when compared to the general population. What's more, the majority of these deaths are preventable. The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome is increased two- to three-fold among people with severe mental illness (SMI). One of the possible causes of this trend is the use of antipsychotic medications. The antipsychotic medications used to treat people with schizophrenia can cause adverse changes in cholesterol and other metabolic parameters that are associated with type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease. SMI adults also are more likely than adults in the general population to have poor health habits.

Although studies have been conducted in private and community mental health settings on individuals with SMI and metabolic syndrome, little research exists on systematic monitoring of risk factors for metabolic syndrome in people with SMI in State psychiatric hospitals. The Delaware Psychiatric Center (DPC) has conducted a study of the metabolic syndrome of its residents. Calculations of Body Mass Index (BMI) were made for each patient, and data collected on other metabolic syndrome indices. These data were correlated DPC pharmacy data that indicated whether the patient was being treated with medication for diabetes, hypertension or hypercholesterolemia. Findings are presented, and recommendations for future treatment and policy implications are made.

Learning Objectives:
Identify the risk factors for metabolic syndrome in people with severe mental illnesses in State psychiatric hospitals Describe the relationship between antipsychotic medications and metabolic syndrome in the severely mentally ill population

Keywords: Mental Health Care, Mental Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Susanna Kramer is a Project Manager for Delaware’s Data Infrastructure Grant, which is funded by the federal Department of Health and Human Services’ Center for Mental Health Services. She also serves as a Research and Planning Specialist to the Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, providing reporting and analysis of mental health data and recommendations for its use in program planning, and as Research Coordinator for the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine’s Center for Mental Health Policy and Services Research. Prior to these positions, Ms. Kramer worked as Coordinator for the International Center of Research for Women, Children and Families at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, assisting with several research projects devoted to the improvement maternal and child health in Africa. Ms. Kramer holds a Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from West Chester University and has a strong interest in the use of data to improve services for mental health consumers.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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See more of: Mental Health